Problems with your water pressure? Learn how to test it

Please note, we can only give you basic advice on this page to do the job yourself. Make sure you use the right tools and protective equipment to avoid hurting yourself or damaging your home. Always consult a professional for more complex repairs.

Have you ever gone to take a shower but struggled because the water pressure is too low?

Water pressure is a vital part of your plumbing system; too low and you’ll struggle to have a decent shower, too high and you risk damaging your pipes every time you turn on a tap.

Having plumbing and drainage cover in place is vital to ensuring you’re covered in the event of an emergency.

What should my water pressure be?

If your water outlets (i.e., your taps and showers) can provide over 15 litres of water a minute, this is considered good water pressure. Between 10-15 litres of water a minute is acceptable and anything below 10 litres is considered poor.

How do I test my water pressure?

• Place a 1-litre measuring jug under the tap or shower

• Turn the tap or shower on full

• Time how long it takes to fill the jug

• If it takes longer than 6 seconds to fill the jug, you’ve got low water pressure

How do I know if it’s too high?

It’s easy to tell if your water pressure is too low, but to check if it’s too high, you’ll need a pressure gauge, which you can buy from any hardware store.

1. Turn all your taps inside and outside the home off

2. Secure the pressure gauge to the outside tap

3. Turn the tap on full to ensure you get an accurate reading

4. Check the reading; this should be between 40 and 60 psi. If it’s over 60, you’ll need a plumber to check this out. Below 30 and you may have a leak.

What causes this?

Low water pressure can be caused by many things, including;

• Blocked pipes, caused by limescale, rust or dirt: find out more about maintaining your plumbing and drainage system

• Clogged appliances: find out more about cleaning your washing machine and tumble dryer

• Narrow pipes, especially in older properties

• High demand (usually at peak times, between 7am – 9am)

How do I increase my water pressure?

• Clean your taps and shower heads

• Make sure your shower hoses are not kinked or damaged

• Replace the shower head (these should be replaced every 6 to 8 months)

• Fit a shower pump

• Install a power shower

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